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Galipeau HJ, Hinterleitner R, Leonard MM, Caminero A. Non-Host Factors Influencing Onset and Severity of Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)00068-4. [PMID: 38286392 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic autoimmune condition driven by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, resulting in inflammatory lesions in the proximal small intestine. Although the presence of specific HLA-linked haplotypes and gluten consumption are necessary for disease development, they alone do not account for the variable onset of CeD in susceptible individuals. This review explores the multifaceted role of non-host factors in CeD development, including dietary and microbial influences. We discuss clinical associations and observations highlighting the impact of these factors on disease onset and severity. Furthermore, we discuss studies in CeD-relevant animal models that offer mechanistic insights into how diet, the microbiome, and enteric infections modulate CeD pathogenesis. Finally, we address the clinical implications and therapeutic potential of understanding these cofactors offering a promising avenue for preventive and therapeutic interventions in CeD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather J Galipeau
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Reinhard Hinterleitner
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maureen M Leonard
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alberto Caminero
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Haque E, Muhsen IN, Rasheed W, Fakih RE, Aljurf M. Parasitic infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2023; 25 Suppl 1:e14160. [PMID: 37793057 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment for various hematological disorders. However, HSCT recipients face increased risks of infectious complications due to immunosuppression. Parasitic infections are a significant concern in this vulnerable population and can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. This review examines parasitic infections in HSCT recipients, focusing on major infections affecting different organ systems, including intestinal parasites (Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp.), hematologic parasites (Plasmodium spp. and Babesia spp.), and tissue/visceral parasites (Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., and Trypanosoma cruzi). METHODS A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted and included studies up to August 2023. Databases included PubMed, Google Scholar, were queried using specific keywords related to parasitic infections in HSCT patients. The epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches for each infection were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Knowing the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentations are crucial for timely intervention and successful management. By emphasizing early detection, effective therapies, and the unique challenges posed by each of these infections, this review highlights the importance of tailored strategies for HSCT recipients. Future research can further refine management protocols to enhance care and outcomes for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emaan Haque
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim N Muhsen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Walid Rasheed
- Department of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riad El Fakih
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Aljurf
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Iredale ME, Viadanna PHO, Subramaniam K, Tardif E, Bonning BC, Ellis JD. Report of amoebic disease in a colony of Western honey bees ( Apis mellifera). Vet Pathol 2023; 60:709-713. [PMID: 37313845 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231179956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The amoeba Malpighamoeba mellificae is the etiologic agent of amoebic (amoeba) disease of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera). M. mellificae damages the Malpighian tubules, which is believed to weaken and kill the host bee. Here, the authors describe the detection of this organism in a honey bee colony in the Yukon Territory, Canada. The Malpighian tubules of 14% (7/50) of the adult worker bees were discolored dark brown. Fifteen bees screened using conventional polymerase chain reaction for the 18S gene of M. mellificae were positive for the pathogen. Histologically, the lumens of Malpighian tubules were packed with amoebae, causing dilation of the tubules and attenuation and loss of the tubular epithelium. This phylogenetic analysis places M. mellificae in a new clade, a sister group to the Entamoebidae. This work provides a foundation for further investigation into the distribution, prevalence, and pathology associated with M. mellificae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marley E Iredale
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Pedro H O Viadanna
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Kuttichantran Subramaniam
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Bryony C Bonning
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - James D Ellis
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Medina Sanchez L, Siller M, Zeng Y, Brigleb PH, Sangani KA, Soto AS, Engl C, Laughlin CR, Rana M, Van Der Kraak L, Pandey SP, Bender MJ, Fitzgerald B, Hedden L, Fiske K, Taylor GM, Wright AP, Mehta ID, Rahman SA, Galipeau HJ, Mullett SJ, Gelhaus SL, Watkins SC, Bercik P, Nice TJ, Jabri B, Meisel M, Das J, Dermody TS, Verdú EF, Hinterleitner R. The gut protist Tritrichomonas arnold restrains virus-mediated loss of oral tolerance by modulating dietary antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Immunity 2023; 56:1862-1875.e9. [PMID: 37478853 PMCID: PMC10529081 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Loss of oral tolerance (LOT) to gluten, driven by dendritic cell (DC) priming of gluten-specific T helper 1 (Th1) cell immune responses, is a hallmark of celiac disease (CeD) and can be triggered by enteric viral infections. Whether certain commensals can moderate virus-mediated LOT remains elusive. Here, using a mouse model of virus-mediated LOT, we discovered that the gut-colonizing protist Tritrichomonas (T.) arnold promotes oral tolerance and protects against reovirus- and murine norovirus-mediated LOT, independent of the microbiota. Protection was not attributable to antiviral host responses or T. arnold-mediated innate type 2 immunity. Mechanistically, T. arnold directly restrained the proinflammatory program in dietary antigen-presenting DCs, subsequently limiting Th1 and promoting regulatory T cell responses. Finally, analysis of fecal microbiomes showed that T. arnold-related Parabasalid strains are underrepresented in human CeD patients. Altogether, these findings will motivate further exploration of oral-tolerance-promoting protists in CeD and other immune-mediated food sensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzmariel Medina Sanchez
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Magdalena Siller
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yanlin Zeng
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pamela H Brigleb
- Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kishan A Sangani
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ariadna S Soto
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Clarisse Engl
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Colin R Laughlin
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mohit Rana
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Van Der Kraak
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Surya P Pandey
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mackenzie J Bender
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Britney Fitzgerald
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lee Hedden
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kay Fiske
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gwen M Taylor
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Austin P Wright
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Isha D Mehta
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Syed A Rahman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Heather J Galipeau
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Steven J Mullett
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Health Sciences Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacy L Gelhaus
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Health Sciences Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Premysl Bercik
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy J Nice
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Bana Jabri
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marlies Meisel
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Terence S Dermody
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elena F Verdú
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Reinhard Hinterleitner
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Institute of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunity, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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DeMichele E, Sosnowski O, Buret AG, Allain T. Regulatory Functions of Hypoxia in Host-Parasite Interactions: A Focus on Enteric, Tissue, and Blood Protozoa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1598. [PMID: 37375100 PMCID: PMC10303274 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Body tissues are subjected to various oxygenic gradients and fluctuations and hence can become transiently hypoxic. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is the master transcriptional regulator of the cellular hypoxic response and is capable of modulating cellular metabolism, immune responses, epithelial barrier integrity, and local microbiota. Recent reports have characterized the hypoxic response to various infections. However, little is known about the role of HIF activation in the context of protozoan parasitic infections. Growing evidence suggests that tissue and blood protozoa can activate HIF and subsequent HIF target genes in the host, helping or hindering their pathogenicity. In the gut, enteric protozoa are adapted to steep longitudinal and radial oxygen gradients to complete their life cycle, yet the role of HIF during these protozoan infections remains unclear. This review focuses on the hypoxic response to protozoa and its role in the pathophysiology of parasitic infections. We also discuss how hypoxia modulates host immune responses in the context of protozoan infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily DeMichele
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.G.B.)
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Host-Parasite Interactions, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Olivia Sosnowski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.G.B.)
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Host-Parasite Interactions, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Andre G. Buret
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.G.B.)
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Host-Parasite Interactions, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Thibault Allain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.G.B.)
- Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Host-Parasite Interactions, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Vakil E, Taghizadeh N, Tremblay A. The Global Burden of Pleural Diseases. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023. [PMID: 37263289 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Pleural diseases include a spectrum of disorders broadly categorized into pneumothorax and pleural effusion. They often cause pain, breathlessness, cough, and reduced quality of life. The global burden of diseases reflects regional differences in conditions and exposures associated with pleural disease, such as smoking, pneumonia, tuberculosis, asbestos, cancer, and organ failure. Disease burden in high-income countries is overrepresented given the availability of data and disease burden in lower-income countries is likely underestimated. In the United States, in 2016, there were 42,215 treat-and-discharge visits to the emergency room for pleural diseases and an additional 361,270 hospitalizations, resulting in a national cost of $10.1 billion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Vakil
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Niloofar Taghizadeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary and Emergency Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alain Tremblay
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Tuszewska H, Szczepański J, Mandziuk S, Trotsko N. Thiazolidin-4-one-based derivatives - Efficient tools for designing antiprotozoal agents. A review of the last decade. Bioorg Chem 2023; 133:106398. [PMID: 36739686 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have a wide range of therapeutic implementations and clinical significance for medicinal chemistry. This heterocyclic ring has been reported to possess a variety of biological activities, including antiprotozoal activities that have inspired scientists to integrate this scaffold with different pharmacophoric fragments to design novel and effective antiprotozoal compounds. There are reviews describing thiazolidin-4-ones small molecules as good candidates with a single type of antiprotozoal activity, but none of these show collected news associated with the antiprotozoal activity of thiazolidin-4-ones and their SAR analysis from the last decade. In this review we are focusing on the antitoxoplasmic, anti-trypanosomal, antimalarial, antileishmanial, and antiamoebic activity of these derivatives, we attempt to summarize and analyze the recent developments with regard to the antiprotozoal potential of 4-TZD covering the structure-activity relationship and main molecular targets. The importance of various structural modifications at C2, N3, and C5 of the thiazolidine-4-one core has also been discussed in this review. We hope that all information concluded in this review can be useful for other researchers in constructing new effective antiprotozoal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Tuszewska
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a, Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Szczepański
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a, Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sławomir Mandziuk
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 8, Jaczewski Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Nazar Trotsko
- Chair and Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4a, Chodzki Str., 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
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Nasrallah J, Akhoundi M, Haouchine D, Marteau A, Mantelet S, Wind P, Benamouzig R, Bouchaud O, Dhote R, Izri A. Updates on the worldwide burden of amoebiasis: A case series and literature review. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1134-1141. [PMID: 36155852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amoebiasis is an intestinal and tissue parasitic infection caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Despite significant medical importance and worldwide dispersion, little is known about the epidemiology and distinct geographical distribution of various clinical forms of amoebiasis in the world. In this study, we present an amoebiasis case series referred to Avicenne Hospital (Bobigny, France) from 2010 to 2022 followed by an overview of the released literature to explore diverse clinico-pathology of amoebiasis and to update the actual epidemiological situation of this parasitosis worldwide. METHODS The referred patients underwent a combination of clinical and parasitological examinations and imaging. The study was followed by an overview of released literature performed based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. RESULTS A total of 15 patients with amoebiasis were diagnosed with an average age of 48.5 years old at the occurrence time of infection. Men (78%) were the most affected patients. Most of the cases were reported following a trip to endemic regions, such as Mali, India, Nepal, Algeria, Cameroon or Congo. All of the processed patients exhibited a hepatic amoebiasis. Amoebic abscess was observed in all cases with an average size of 6.3 cm. Of these patients, seven cases (46.7%) benefited from drainage following a risk of rupture or superinfection of the abscess. A compilation of findings extracted from 390 scientific publications via seven major medical databases, allowed us to update the main epidemiological and clinical events that has led to the current worldwide expansion of amoebiasis. We presented a clinical and epidemiological overview of the amoebiasis accompanied with a worldwide illustrative map displaying the current distribution of known amoebiasis foci in each geographical ecozone of Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas, and Australia. CONCLUSIONS Although Metropolitan France is not known as an endemic region of amoebiasis, amoebic liver abscess was the most frequent clinical form observed among our 15 patients processed. Most of infected patients had a history of travel to or lived-in endemic areas before arriving in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Nasrallah
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Mohammad Akhoundi
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France.
| | - Djamel Haouchine
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Anthony Marteau
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Stéphane Mantelet
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Philippe Wind
- Digestive Surgery and Surgical Oncology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Robert Benamouzig
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Olivier Bouchaud
- Infectious diseases Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Robin Dhote
- Internal Medicine Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France
| | - Arezki Izri
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France; Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
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9
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Singh A, Banerjee T. Host-parasite interactions in infections due to Entamoeba histolytica: A tale of known and unknown. Trop Parasitol 2022; 12:69-77. [PMID: 36643990 PMCID: PMC9832491 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_81_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is an enteric microaerophilic protozoan parasite responsible for millions of cases worldwide. Majority of the infections due to E. histolytica remain asymptomatic; however, it can cause an array of symptoms ranging from devastating dysentery, colitis, and abscesses in different vital organs. The interactions between the E. histolytica and its host are a multifaceted chain of events rather than merely destruction and invasion. There are manifold decisive steps for the establishment of infections by E. histolytica which includes degradation of mucosal layer, adherence to the host epithelium, invasion into the host tissues, and dissemination to vital organs. It is widely hypothesized that, for establishment of infections, the interactions at the intestinal mucosa decides the fate of the disease. The delicate communications between the parasite, the host factors, and the associated bacterial microflora play a significant role in the pathogenesis of E. histolytica. In this review, we summarize the interactions between the E. histolytica and it's host at the genetic and immunological interphases emphasizing the crucial role of microbiota in these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aradhana Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tuhina Banerjee
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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10
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Devi S, Tomar P, Faisal Tarique K, Gourinath S. Inhibiting Pyridoxal Kinase of Entamoeba histolytica Is Lethal for This Pathogen. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:660466. [PMID: 33937101 PMCID: PMC8085340 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.660466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) functions as a cofactor for hundreds of different enzymes that are crucial to the survival of microorganisms. PLP-dependent enzymes have been extensively characterized and proposed as drug targets in Entamoeba histolytica. This pathogen is unable to synthesize vitamin B6via de-novo pathway and relies on the uptake of vitamin B6 vitamers from the host which are then phosphorylated by the enzyme pyridoxal kinase to produce PLP, the active form of vitamin B6. Previous studies from our lab shows that EhPLK is essential for the survival and growth of this protozoan parasite and its active site differs significantly with respect to its human homologue making it a potential drug target. In-silico screening of EhPLK against small molecule libraries were performed and top five ranked molecules were shortlisted on the basis of docking scores. These compounds dock into the PLP binding site of the enzyme such that binding of these compounds hinders the binding of substrate. Of these five compounds, two compounds showed inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 100-250 μM when tested in-vitro. The effect of these compounds proved to be extremely lethal for Entamoeba trophozoites in cultured cells as the growth was hampered by 91.5% and 89.5% when grown in the presence of these compounds over the period of 72 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneeta Devi
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Priya Tomar
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Khaja Faisal Tarique
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Samudrala Gourinath
- Structural Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Flores MS, Obregón-Cardenas A, Rangel R, Tamez E, Flores A, Trejo-Avila L, Quintero I, Arévalo K, Maldonado MG, Gandarilla FL, Galán L. Glycan moieties in Entamoeba histolytica ubiquitin are immunodominant. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12812. [PMID: 33270232 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a central role performing several functions to maintain parasite homeostasis. We have reported the partial characterization of N-linked glycosylation profile in E. histolytica ubiquitin (EhUb). Here we examined the immunogenicity and antigenicity of carbohydrates in EhUbiquitin. Rabbits were immunized with purified EhUbiquitin or purified recombinant rUb expressed by E. coli. Using Western Blot, we explored the immunogenicity and antigenicity of protein portion and carbohydrates moiety. Interestingly, immunized rabbits produced antibodies to both Ub glycoprotein and rUb; but antibodies against carbohydrates were immunodominant, rather than antibodies to the protein moiety of EhUbiquitin. In addition, we observed that antibodies to protein moiety are not conserved in serum unless antigen is continually administrated. Conversely, anti-Ub glycoprotein antibodies are well maintained in circulation. In humans, infection with Entamoeba histolytica induces strong IgG anti-Ub response. The human antibodies recognize both, the protein moieties and the glycosylated structure. Entamoeba histolytica ubiquitin is immunogenic and antigenic. The glycan moieties are immunodominant and induces IgG. These data open the door to use carbohydrates as potential targets for diagnose tests, drugs and vaccine to prevent this parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María S Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Adriana Obregón-Cardenas
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Roberto Rangel
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Eva Tamez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Andrés Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Laura Trejo-Avila
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Isela Quintero
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Katiushka Arévalo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - María G Maldonado
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Fátima L Gandarilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
| | - Luis Galán
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biotecnología. San Nicolás de los Garza, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
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Ali IKM, Roy S. A Real-Time PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection and Differentiation of Four Common Entamoeba Species That Infect Humans. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 59:e01986-20. [PMID: 33115843 DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01986-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are over 40 species within the genus Entamoeba, eight of which infect humans. Of these, four species (Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, and E. bangladeshi) are morphologically indistinguishable from each other, and yet differentiation is important for appropriate treatment decisions. Here, we developed a hydrolysis probe-based tetraplex real-time PCR assay that can simultaneously detect and differentiate these four species in clinical samples. In this assay, multicopy small-subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences were used as targets. We determined that the tetraplex real-time PCR can detect amebic DNA corresponding to as little as a 0.1 trophozoite equivalent of any of these species. We also determined that this assay can detect E. histolytica DNA in the presence of 10-fold more DNA from another Entamoeba species in mixed-infection scenarios. With a panel of more than 100 well-characterized clinical samples diagnosed and confirmed using a previously published duplex real-time PCR (capable of detecting E. histolytica and E. dispar), our tetraplex real-time PCR assay demonstrated levels of sensitivity and specificity comparable with those demonstrated by the duplex real-time PCR assay. The advantage of our assay over the duplex assay is that it can specifically detect two additional Entamoeba species and can be used in conventional PCR format. This newly developed assay will allow further characterization of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of the four morphologically identical Entamoeba species, especially in low-resource settings.
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Agarwal S, Rath PP, Anand G, Gourinath S. Uncovering the Cyclic AMP Signaling Pathway of the Protozoan Parasite Entamoeba histolytica and Understanding Its Role in Phagocytosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:566726. [PMID: 33102254 PMCID: PMC7546249 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.566726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Second messenger signaling controls a surprisingly diverse range of processes in several eukaryotic pathogens. Molecular machinery and pathways involving these messengers thus hold tremendous opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Relative to Ca2+ signaling, the knowledge of a crucial second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) and its signaling pathway is very scant in the intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica. In the current study, mining the available genomic resources, we have for the first time identified the cAMP signal transduction pathway of E. histolytica. Three heptahelical proteins with variable G-protein-coupled receptor domains, heterotrimeric G-proteins (Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits), soluble adenylyl cyclase, cyclase-associated protein, and enzyme carbonic anhydrase were identified in its genome. We could also identify several putative candidate genes for cAMP downstream effectors such as protein kinase A, A-kinase anchoring proteins, and exchange protein directly activated by the cAMP pathway. Using specific inhibitors against key identified targets, we could observe changes in the intracellular cAMP levels as well as defect in the rate of phagocytosis of red blood cells by the parasite E. histolytica. We thus strongly believe that characterization of some of these unexplored crucial signaling determinants will provide a paradigm shift in understanding the pathogenicity of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Agarwal
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Gaurav Anand
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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Pinotsis N, Zielinska K, Babuta M, Arolas JL, Kostan J, Khan MB, Schreiner C, Salmazo A, Ciccarelli L, Puchinger M, Gkougkoulia EA, Ribeiro EA Jr, Marlovits TC, Bhattacharya A, Djinovic-Carugo K. Calcium modulates the domain flexibility and function of an α-actinin similar to the ancestral α-actinin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:22101-12. [PMID: 32848067 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917269117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic network of actin filaments and associated F-actin-binding proteins, is fundamentally important in eukaryotes. α-Actinins are major F-actin bundlers that are inhibited by Ca2+ in nonmuscle cells. Here we report the mechanism of Ca2+-mediated regulation of Entamoeba histolytica α-actinin-2 (EhActn2) with features expected for the common ancestor of Entamoeba and higher eukaryotic α-actinins. Crystal structures of Ca2+-free and Ca2+-bound EhActn2 reveal a calmodulin-like domain (CaMD) uniquely inserted within the rod domain. Integrative studies reveal an exceptionally high affinity of the EhActn2 CaMD for Ca2+, binding of which can only be regulated in the presence of physiological concentrations of Mg2+ Ca2+ binding triggers an increase in protein multidomain rigidity, reducing conformational flexibility of F-actin-binding domains via interdomain cross-talk and consequently inhibiting F-actin bundling. In vivo studies uncover that EhActn2 plays an important role in phagocytic cup formation and might constitute a new drug target for amoebic dysentery.
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15
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Abbasi E, Amouzandeh-Nobaveh A, Ghaznavi-Rad E. The Frequency of the Intestinal Parasites Giardia Lamblia and Entamoeba Histolytica in Pediatric Diarrhea Specimens from Central Iran. Open Microbiol J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874285802014010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly those caused by Giardia lamblia, are among the major health problems that exist worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the intestinal parasites Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica that were isolated from samples of infectious diarrhea in pediatric patients from Central Iran.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study included 230 samples of infectious diarrhea that were collected from May 2015 to February 2016. Direct observation, the formalin-ether sedimentation method and the technique using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of β-giardin and EH primers were used for the identification of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica.
Results:
Out of 230 samples of infectious diarrhea, five cases (2.1%) of Giardia lamblia and no cases (0%) of Entamoeba histolytica were identified using the formalin-ether sedimentation method and the same result were obtained using PCR technique. Of the five patients who had Giardia lamblia, three (60%) were male and two (40%) were female. The most common clinical symptoms in these patients were stomach ache and diarrhea (100%) and mucus in the stool (80%).
Conclusion:
Giardia lamblia was introduced as a parasitic agent causing diarrhea from Central Iran. The results indicate that pediatricians and, even more importantly, experts in laboratories should pay special attention to the identification of this parasite to treat the patients as effectively and as quickly as possible.
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Probst A, Nguyen TN, El-Sakkary N, Skinner D, Suzuki BM, Buckner FS, Gelb MH, Caffrey CR, Debnath A. Bioactivity of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors Against Entamoeba histolytica and Schistosoma mansoni. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:180. [PMID: 31192168 PMCID: PMC6548881 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica can induce amebic colitis and amebic liver abscess. First-line drugs for the treatment of amebiasis are nitroimidazoles, particularly metronidazole. Metronidazole has side effects and potential drug resistance is a concern. Schistosomiasis, a chronic and painful infection, is caused by various species of the Schistosoma flatworm. There is only one partially effective drug, praziquantel, a worrisome situation should drug resistance emerge. As many essential metabolic pathways and enzymes are shared between eukaryotic organisms, it is possible to conceive of small molecule interventions that target more than one organism or target, particularly when chemical matter is already available. Farnesyltransferase (FT), the last common enzyme for products derived from the mevalonate pathway, is vital for diverse functions, including cell differentiation and growth. Both E. histolytica and Schistosoma mansoni genomes encode FT genes. In this study, we phenotypically screened E. histolytica and S. mansoni in vitro with the established FT inhibitors, lonafarnib and tipifarnib, and with 125 tipifarnib analogs previously screened against both the whole organism and/or the FT of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi. For E. histolytica, we also explored whether synergy arises by combining lonafarnib and metronidazole or lonafarnib with statins that modulate protein prenylation. We demonstrate the anti-amebic and anti-schistosomal activities of lonafarnib and tipifarnib, and identify 17 tipifarnib analogs with more than 75% growth inhibition at 50 μM against E. histolytica. Apart from five analogs of tipifarnib exhibiting activity against both E. histolytica and S. mansoni, 10 additional analogs demonstrated anti-schistosomal activity (severe degenerative changes at 10 μM after 24 h). Analysis of the structure-activity relationship available for the T. brucei FT suggests that FT may not be the relevant target in E. histolytica and S. mansoni. For E. histolytica, combination of metronidazole and lonafarnib resulted in synergism for growth inhibition. Also, of a number of statins tested, simvastatin exhibited moderate anti-amebic activity which, when combined with lonafarnib, resulted in slight synergism. Even in the absence of a definitive molecular target, identification of potent anti-parasitic tipifarnib analogs encourages further exploration while the synergistic combination of metronidazole and lonafarnib offers a promising treatment strategy for amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Probst
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Thi N Nguyen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Danielle Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Frederick S Buckner
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael H Gelb
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Agarwal S, Anand G, Sharma S, Parimita Rath P, Gourinath S, Bhattacharya A. EhP3, a homolog of 14-3-3 family of protein participates in actin reorganization and phagocytosis in Entamoeba histolytica. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007789. [PMID: 31095644 PMCID: PMC6541287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly conserved proteins of the 14-3-3 family are universal adaptors known to regulate an enormous range of cellular processes in eukaryotes. However, their biological functions remain largely uncharacterized in pathogenic protists comprising of several 14-3-3 protein isoforms. In this study, we report the role of 14-3-3 in coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics during phagocytosis in a professional phagocytic protist Entamoeba histolytica, the etiological agent of human amebiasis. There are three isoforms of 14-3-3 protein in amoeba and here we have investigated Eh14-3-3 Protein 3 (EhP3). Live and fixed cell imaging studies revealed the presence of this protein throughout the parasite phagocytosis process, with high rate of accumulation at the phagocytic cups and closed phagosomes. Conditional suppression of EhP3 expression caused significant defects in phagocytosis accompanied by extensive diminution of F-actin at the site of cup formation. Downregulated cells also exhibited defective recruitment of an F-actin stabilizing protein, EhCoactosin at the phagocytic cups. In addition, mass spectrometry based analysis further revealed a large group of EhP3-associated proteins, many of these proteins are known to regulate cytoskeletal architecture in E histolytica. The dynamics of these proteins may also be controlled by EhP3. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that EhP3 is a novel and a key regulatory element of actin dynamics and phagocytosis in E. histolytica. Phagocytosis of host cells is central to pathogenesis of protist parasite Entamoeba histolytica, the etiological agent of human amebiasis. It is a complex and multistep process that requires dynamic remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton by a large number of scaffolding, signaling and actin-binding proteins (ABPs). Although several parasite ligands such as EhC2PK, EhCaBP1, EhCaBP3, EhAK1, Arp2/3 complex and EhCoactosin that participate in the phagocytic machinery have been identified, the mechanistic insights to their regulation process remain largely elusive. We have in this study identified and characterized the important role of scaffolding protein EhP3 in modulating cytoskeletal dynamics and regulating phagocytosis in E. histolytica. Expression knockdown, imaging and interaction studies suggest that EhP3 function as an adaptor molecule that controls the localization of an F-actin stabilizing protein EhCoactosin and thus the dynamics of F-actin rearrangement during phagocytosis. EhP3 also interact with other actin dynamics regulating proteins that may in coordination regulate cytoskeletal dynamics and thereby phagocytosis in Entamoeba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Agarwal
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Gaurav Anand
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shalini Sharma
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Alok Bhattacharya
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Ashoka University, P.O. Rai, Sonepat, Haryana, India
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Anwar T, Samudrala G. Bioinformatics Analysis and Functional Prediction of Transmembrane Proteins in Entamoeba histolytica. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E499. [PMID: 30332795 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is an invasive, pathogenic parasite causing amoebiasis. Given that proteins involved in transmembrane (TM) transport are crucial for the adherence, invasion, and nutrition of the parasite, we conducted a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of encoding proteins to functionally classify and characterize all the TM proteins in E. histolytica. In the present study, 692 TM proteins have been identified, of which 546 are TM transporters. For the first time, we report a set of 141 uncharacterized proteins predicted as TM transporters. The percentage of TM proteins was found to be lower in comparison to the free-living eukaryotes, due to the extracellular nature and functional diversification of the TM proteins. The number of multi-pass proteins is larger than the single-pass proteins; though both have their own significance in parasitism, multi-pass proteins are more extensively required as these are involved in acquiring nutrition and for ion transport, while single-pass proteins are only required at the time of inciting infection. Overall, this intestinal parasite implements multiple mechanisms for establishing infection, obtaining nutrition, and adapting itself to the new host environment. A classification of the repertoire of TM transporters in the present study augments several hints on potential methods of targeting the parasite for therapeutic benefits.
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Singh T, Agarwal T, Ghosh SK. Identification and functional analysis of a stress-responsive MAPK15 in Entamoeba invadens. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2018; 222:34-44. [PMID: 29730364 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
E. histolytica, a protozoan parasite is the causative agent of amoebiasis in human beings. It exists in two different forms - the motile trophozoite form which undergoes encystation under starvation conditions to form the non-motile, osmotically resistant cyst form. Cellular stresses stimulate several signaling cascades which assist the parasite in counter-attacking such conditions thereby, promoting cell survival. To study the stress-associated pathways activated during encystation, we have used Entamoeba invadens, a reptilian parasite as a model organism because of its ability to undergo encystation under in vitro conditions. In this study, we have identified a stress-responsive MAPK which gets upregulated under different stress conditions, including encystation. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic classification show that the MAPK belongs to the atypical MAPK15 family (henceforth, named EiMAPK15), which does not require an upstream MAPKK for its phosphorylation and activation. The in vitro kinase activity of recombinant EiMAPK15 exhibits its auto-phosphorylation ability. Immunolocalization studies reveal that the protein is mainly cytosolic under normal growing conditions but gets translocated into the nucleus under stress conditions. Knockdown of EiMAPK15 using double-stranded RNA was found to reduce the expression of other encystation-specific genes which in turn, resulted in the decline of the overall encystation efficiency of the cells. Overall, the present work has laid the platform for further characterization of this important MAPK gene in Entamoeba invadens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| | - Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| | - Sudip Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
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Ajonina C, Buzie C, Möller J, Otterpohl R. The detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Toxoplasma gondii in wastewater. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2017; 81:1-5. [PMID: 29173133 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1392399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To increase current knowledge on the epidemiology of protozoan parasites in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), the occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica and Toxoplasma gondii in raw and treated wastewater was investigated. Samples were collected from WWTP twice a month over a period of 8 months. Determination of protozoa was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and light microscopy. After concentration and purification of wastewater samples, DNA extraction was conducted followed by PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequences of E. histolytica and B1 gene of T. gondii. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) primer set was designed from E. histolytica hemolysin gene HLY6. Amplification of DNA in the LAMP mixture was monitored by naked eye as a blue color solution after addition of, hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) to the reaction tube. Light microscopy revealed the presence of Entamoeba in all raw wastewater samples and treated water samples. PCR amplification of DNA products revealed that all, (9/9) wastewater samples were positive for Entamoeba. None was positive for Toxoplasma. These findings, which corroborate recent observations, indicate that E. histolytica may pose a public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ajonina
- a Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection , Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Buzie
- a Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection , Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Möller
- a Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection , Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) , Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Otterpohl
- a Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection , Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) , Hamburg, Germany
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Abstract
In this article, the trends in human parasitology have been studied through the analysis of the number of publications in this area. The parameters studied were: number of articles, language, countries and institutions with the highest number of publications, and keywords with greater presence in the articles of human parasitology. The results of the analysis confirm the growing interest in this area, observing an exponential growth in the number of publications in the last decades. We also verified that the main country in terms of scientific production is the USA, although among the most important institutions, we find non-US centres such as the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. For observing the relative importance of the journals that publish articles in this specific topic, an index has been created based on the h-index of the journal with publications related to human parasitology and divided by every 100 items. This rank is led fist by 'Journal of Medical Entomology' closely followed by 'Parasitology'. The analysis of the keywords allows to draw conclusions about the great importance of malaria in the current world research. A change in analytical methodology is also observed, and molecular techniques are now being imposed. These techniques, in the near future, have to influence in an improvement in the treatments and prevention of the diseases caused by parasites. Finally, it can be seen that diseases traditionally studied as helminthiasis and amebiasis are currently as well studied as others such as toxoplasmosis or leishmaniasis.
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Dong H, Li J, Qi M, Wang R, Yu F, Jian F, Ning C, Zhang L. Prevalence, molecular epidemiology, and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp. in nonhuman primates in China. Infect Genet Evol 2017; 54:216-220. [PMID: 28698157 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amebiasis is a major public-health concern. It has a global distribution, and is listed as the third leading parasitic cause of human mortality. To survey the prevalence and assess the potential zoonotic transmission of Entamoeba spp. in nonhuman primates (NHPs) in China, 2688 fresh fecal specimens were collected from NHPs reared in farms or zoos/parks or free ranging in 13 districts. The overall prevalence of Entamoeba spp. infection determined with microscopy analysis was 39.4% (1059/2688). Higher infection rates were detected in the free ranging group (41.1%, 169/411) and in animals <1year old (58.7%, 556/947). Gene fragments were successfully amplified 463 (87.2%) out of the 531 selected specimens (approximately half of the total microscopy-positive specimens). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification identified 386 (83.4%) Entamoeba dispar and 287 (62.0%) E. coli infections, and among these, 210 (45.4%) were mixed infections. And that the E. dispar and E. coli had also been detected in humans. In phylogenetic analysis, the E. dispar and E. coli sequences clustered with reference E. dispar and E. coli, respectively. In conclusion, nonhuman primates infected with Entamoeba species, with high prevalence and zoonotic potential, should be considered when evaluating the maintenance of Entamoeba spp. and its transmission between animal reservoirs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiju Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Meng Qi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Rongjun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Fuchun Jian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, PR China.
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Collazo-reyes F, Luna-morales ME, Luna-morales E. Change in the publishing regime in Latin America: from a local to universal journal, Archivos de investigación Médica/Archives of Medical Research (1970–2014). Scientometrics 2017; 110:695-709. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-016-2207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Liao CW, Fu CJ, Kao CY, Lee YL, Chen PC, Chuang TW, Naito T, Chou CM, Huang YC, Bonfim I, Fan CK. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in capital areas of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa. Afr Health Sci 2016; 16:690-697. [PMID: 27917201 PMCID: PMC5112002 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i3.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP) has undertaken school children-based deworming programs against intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) using a single dose of mebendazole annually since 2005, it remains unclear as to the outcome to date. The present study intends to investigate the recent IPIs status among school children living in capital areas of the DRSTP. METHODS A total of 252 school children (121 boys and 131 girls) of grades 4 and 5 from 4 primary schools located in the capital areas participated in the present study and their fresh fecal specimens were examined for the presence of any parasites using the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration method as conducted. RESULTS The overall prevalence of IPIs was 64.7% (163/ 252). No significant gender difference in prevalence between boys (67.8%) and girls (61.8%) was found (p = 0.3). The majority of school children were infected with a single species of parasite (55.8%). Altogether, 12 different intestinal parasite species were identified in DRSTP school children, of which 9 species were pathogenic and the remaining 3 were non-pathogenic. CONCLUSION Improving the detection method, sanitation facilities and personal hygiene as well as utilizing combined drugs are all important measures to greatly reduce IPIs in DRSTP school children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Wei Liao
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jung Fu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of International Medical Affairs, Taipei Medical University-Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yan Kao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Po-Ching Chen
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Toshio Naito
- Department of General Medicine
- Department of Infection Control Science, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chie Huang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Idalina Bonfim
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde Dr Victor Sá Machado, Democratic Republic of Sao Tomes and Principe
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master Program in Global Health and Development, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Pais-Morales J, Betanzos A, García-Rivera G, Chávez-Munguía B, Shibayama M, Orozco E. Resveratrol Induces Apoptosis-Like Death and Prevents In Vitro and In Vivo Virulence of Entamoeba histolytica. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146287. [PMID: 26731663 PMCID: PMC4701480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebiasis, an infection that kills 100,000 individuals each year. Metronidazole and its derivatives are currently used against this protozoan, but these drugs present adverse effects on human health. Here, we investigated the effect of resveratrol (a natural compound) on E. histolytica trophozoites viability, as well as its influence on the parasite virulence. Trophozoites growth was arrested by 72 μM resveratrol and the IC50 was determined as 220 μM at 48 h. Cells appeared smaller, rounded and in clusters, with debris-containing vacuoles and with abnormally condensed chromatin. Resveratrol triggered reactive oxygen species production. It caused lipid peroxidation and produced phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation this latter evidenced by TUNEL assays. It also provoked an increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, activated calpain and decreased superoxide dismutase activity, indicating that an apoptosis-like event occurred; however, autophagy was not detected. Cytopathic activity, phagocytosis, encystment and in vivo virulence were diminished dramatically by pre-incubation of trophozoites with resveratrol, evidencing that resveratrol attenuated the trophozoite virulence in vitro. Interestingly, after the inoculation of virulent trophozoites, animals treated with the drug did not develop or developed very small abscesses. Our findings propose that resveratrol could be an alternative to contend amoebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonnatan Pais-Morales
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México
| | - Abigail Betanzos
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México
| | - Guillermina García-Rivera
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México
| | - Bibiana Chávez-Munguía
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México
| | - Esther Orozco
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México DF, México
- * E-mail:
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Mushtaque M, Ahamad S, Jahan M, Hussain K, Khan MS. Azole-based compounds as antiamoebic agents: a perspective using theoretical calculations. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra20552b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by protozoal organisms are responsible for significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Amoebiasis caused byEntamoeba histolyticais an example of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mushtaque
- School of Physical and Molecular Sciences (Chemistry)
- Al-Falah University
- Faridabad
- India
| | - Shahzaib Ahamad
- Department of Biotechnology
- College of Engineering & Technology
- IFTM
- Moradabad
- India
| | - Meriyam Jahan
- School of Physical and Molecular Sciences (Chemistry)
- Al-Falah University
- Faridabad
- India
| | - Kakul Hussain
- Medical Lab Science Department
- College of Applied Medical Sciences
- Salmanbin Abdulaziz University
- Wadi Adadawasir
- Saudi Arabia
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Braz AS, Andrade CAFD, Mota LMHD, Lima CMBL. Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia sobre diagnóstico e tratamento das parasitoses intestinais em pacientes com doenças reumáticas autoimunes. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia 2015; 55:368-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbr.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Rastew E, Morf L, Singh U. Entamoeba histolytica rhomboid protease 1 has a role in migration and motility as validated by two independent genetic approaches. Exp Parasitol 2015; 154:33-42. [PMID: 25889553 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rhomboid proteins represent a recently discovered family of intramembrane proteases present in a broad range of organisms and with increasing links to human diseases. The enteric parasite Entamoeba histolytica has evolved multiple mechanisms to adapt to the human host environment and establish infection. Our recent studies identified EhROM1 as a functional E. histolytica rhomboid protease with roles in adhesion to and phagocytosis of host cells. Since those studies were performed in a non-virulent strain, roles in parasite virulence could not be assessed. We focused this study on the comparison and validation of two genetic manipulation techniques: overexpression of a dominant-negative catalytic mutant of EhROM1 and knock down of EhROM1 using a RNAi-based silencing approach followed by functional studies of phenotypic analyses in virulent parasites. Both the EhROM1 catalytic mutant and parasites with EhROM1 downregulation were reduced in cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, and directional and non-directional transwell migration. Importantly, the role for EhROM1 in cell migration mimics similar roles for rhomboid proteases from mammalian and apicomplexan systems. However, the EhROM1 catalytic mutant and EhROM1 downregulation parasites had different phenotypes for erythrophagocytosis, while complement resistance was not affected in either strain. In summary, in this study we genetically manipulated E. histolytica rhomboid protease EhROM1 by two different approaches and identified similarly attenuated phenotypes by both approaches, suggesting a novel role for EhROM1 in amebic motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rastew
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura Morf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Upinder Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya D Farooq
- University of Maryland Medical Center (Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Baltimore, Maryland; National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), Bethesda, Maryland; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System (Veterans Affairs), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nathalie H Urrunaga
- University of Maryland Medical Center (Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Baltimore, Maryland; National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), Bethesda, Maryland; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System (Veterans Affairs), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Derek M Tang
- University of Maryland Medical Center (Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Baltimore, Maryland; National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), Bethesda, Maryland; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System (Veterans Affairs), Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erik C von Rosenvinge
- University of Maryland Medical Center (Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), Baltimore, Maryland; National Institutes of Health (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), Bethesda, Maryland; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System (Veterans Affairs), Baltimore, Maryland
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Betanzos A, Schnoor M, Javier-Reyna R, García-Rivera G, Bañuelos C, Pais-Morales J, Orozco E. Analysis of the epithelial damage produced by Entamoeba histolytica infection. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 24962382 DOI: 10.3791/51668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of human amoebiasis, a major cause of diarrhea and hepatic abscess in tropical countries. Infection is initiated by interaction of the pathogen with intestinal epithelial cells. This interaction leads to disruption of intercellular structures such as tight junctions (TJ). TJ ensure sealing of the epithelial layer to separate host tissue from gut lumen. Recent studies provide evidence that disruption of TJ by the parasitic protein EhCPADH112 is a prerequisite for E. histolytica invasion that is accompanied by epithelial barrier dysfunction. Thus, the analysis of molecular mechanisms involved in TJ disassembly during E. histolytica invasion is of paramount importance to improve our understanding of amoebiasis pathogenesis. This article presents an easy model that allows the assessment of initial host-pathogen interactions and the parasite invasion potential. Parameters to be analyzed include transepithelial electrical resistance, interaction of EhCPADH112 with epithelial surface receptors, changes in expression and localization of epithelial junctional markers and localization of parasite molecules within epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Betanzos
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute;
| | - Michael Schnoor
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute
| | - Rosario Javier-Reyna
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute
| | - Guillermina García-Rivera
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute
| | - Cecilia Bañuelos
- Agency for Knowledge Commercialization, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute
| | - Jonnatan Pais-Morales
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute
| | - Esther Orozco
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute;
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Barda B, Ianniello D, Salvo F, Sadutshang T, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Burioni R, Albonico M. "Freezing" parasites in pre-Himalayan region, Himachal Pradesh: Experience with mini-FLOTAC. Acta Trop 2014; 130:11-6. [PMID: 24145157 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helminths and protozoa infections pose a great burden especially in developing, countries, due to morbidity caused both by acute and chronic infections. Data on distribution of intestinal parasitic infections among the native and expatriates populations in Himachal Pradesh are scarce. The aim of our survey was to analyze the intestinal parasitic burden in communities from Dharamsala, Kangra district, in clinical and public health settings. We also field-tested the mini- FLOTAC, an innovative diagnostic device. METHODS Subjects referring to the Tibetan Delek Hospital for abdominal discomfort and all children of the Tibetan Primary School in Dharamsala were screened for intestinal parasitic infections with direct smear, formol-ether concentration (FEC) method and mini-FLOTAC, their clinical history was recorded, and correlations between clinical symptoms and infections analyzed. RESULTS 152 subjects were screened for intestinal parasites, of which 72 subjects in the outpatients department (OPD) (36 expatriates and 36 natives) and 80 in the school. 60% of schoolchildren and 57% of OPD patients were found positive for any infection, the most represented were protozoa infections (50%), whereas helminthic infections accounted only for 13% and 20% in OPD patients and schoolchildren, respectively. The most prevalent among helminths was Ascaris lumbricoides (11%). Giardia intestinalis was more present among schoolchildren than the OPD patients (20% vs 6%) and E. histolytica/dispar was more prevalent among the OPD patients (42%) than the school children (23%). Correlations were found between nausea and loose or watery stools and parasitic infections, particularly in expatriates, whereas schoolchildren, despite being as infected as adults, were completely asymptomatic. Mini-FLOTAC detected higher number of helminth infections whereas FEC method was more accurate for the diagnosis of protozoa. CONCLUSIONS This study presents an accurate snapshot of intestinal parasitic infections in Dharamsala, and their high prevalence calls for more awareness and control measures. Mini-FLOTAC is a promising and simple technique for the diagnosis of helminth infections.
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Anwar T, Gourinath S. Analysis of the Protein phosphotome of Entamoeba histolytica reveals an intricate phosphorylation network. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78714. [PMID: 24236039 PMCID: PMC3827238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation is the most common mechanism for the propagation of intracellular signals. Protein phosphatases and protein kinases play a dynamic antagonistic role in protein phosphorylation. Protein phosphatases make up a significant fraction of eukaryotic proteome. In this article, we report the identification and analysis of protein phosphatases in the intracellular parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Based on an in silico analysis, we classified 250 non-redundant protein phosphatases in E. histolytica. The phosphotome of E. histolytica is 3.1% of its proteome and 1.3 times of the human phosphotome. In this extensive study, we identified 42 new putative phosphatases (39 hypothetical proteins and 3 pseudophosphatases). The presence of pseudophosphatases may have an important role in virulence of E. histolytica. A comprehensive phosphotome analysis of E. histolytica shows spectacular low similarity to human phosphatases, making them potent candidates for drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna Anwar
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Jex AR, Koehler AV, Ansell BR, Baker L, Karunajeewa H, Gasser RB. Getting to the guts of the matter: The status and potential of ‘omics’ research of parasitic protists of the human gastrointestinal system. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:971-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ortiz-Castillo F, Salinas-Aragón LE, Sánchez-Aguilar M, Tapia-Pérez JH, Sánchez-Reyna M, Pierdant-Pérez M, Sánchez-Rodríguez JJ, Hernández-Sierra JF. Amoebic toxic colitis: analysis of factors related to mortality. Pathog Glob Health 2013; 106:245-8. [PMID: 23265426 DOI: 10.1179/2047773212y.0000000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic or fulminant colitis due to Entamoeba histolytica infrequently presents but is very serious. Unfortunately, there are numerous contradictory factors related to mortality. METHODS We analyzed several cases of E. histolytica infection to determine the factors related to mortality. We included patients >15 years of age who were histopathologically diagnosed with amoebic toxic colitis and treated from January 2000 through December 2006. We evaluated demographic, clinical, laboratorial, surgical, and histopathological characteristics. RESULTS We examined 24 patients and recorded 12 deaths (50%). Twenty patients underwent surgery within a mean time of 24 hours (range: 8-120 hours). Tenesmus and intestinal perforation were determined to be statistically significant (P<0·05) by univariate analysis. Three models of logistic regression were able to determine three statistically significant factors that affected mortality: (1) tenesmus and a lymphocyte count <1·5×10(3) cell/μl; 2) depth of invasion beyond the mucosa and a lymphocyte count <1·5×10(3) cell/μl; 3) time spent with symptoms and perforation. CONCLUSIONS The mortality rate determined in this study is similar to previously reported series. A low lymphocyte count, significant depth of invasion, and intestinal perforation were determined to be the factors related to increased mortality, while tenesmus and limited amount of time spent with symptoms were associated with survival. Quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important factors that reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Ortiz-Castillo
- General Surgery Department, Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosí, México
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Saucedo-Mendiola ML, Salas-Pacheco JM, Nájera H, Rojo-Domínguez A, Yépez-Mulia L, Avitia-Domínguez C, Téllez-Valencia A. Discovery of Entamoeba histolytica hexokinase 1 inhibitors through homology modeling and virtual screening. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2013; 29:325-32. [PMID: 23534932 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2013.779265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite which causes amebiasis is responsible for 110,000 deaths a year. Entamoeba histolytica depends on glycolysis to obtain ATP for cellular work. According to metabolic flux studies, hexokinase exerts the highest flux control of this metabolic pathway; therefore, it is an excellent target in the search of new antiamebic drugs. To this end, a tridimensional model of E. histolytica hexokinase 1 (EhHK1) was constructed and validated by homology modeling. After virtual screening of 14,400 small molecules, the 100 with the best docking scores were selected, purchased and assessed in their inhibitory capacity. The results showed that three molecules (compounds 2921, 11275 and 2755) inhibited EhHK1 with an I50 of 48, 91 and 96 µM, respectively. Thus, we found the first inhibitors of EhHK1 that can be used in the search of new chemotherapeutic agents against amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Leticia Saucedo-Mendiola
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Av. Veterinaria S/N Circuito Universitario , Durango , México
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Forteza A, Ballester Ruiz C, Visvesvara G, Muncunill Ribas J, Besalduch Vidal J, Couce ME. Resolution of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after successful treatment of a fulminant colitis due to Entamoeba histolytica. Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 36:294-5. [PMID: 23453561 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2012.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
Recently, we developed a novel automated, high throughput screening (HTS) methodology for the anaerobic intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica. We validated this HTS platform by screening a chemical library containing US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs and bioactive compounds. We identified an FDA-approved drug, auranofin, as most active against E. histolytica both in vitro and in vivo. Our cell culture and animal studies indicated that thioredoxin reductase, an enzyme involved in reactive oxygen species detoxification, was the target for auranofin in E. histolytica. Here, we discuss the rationale for drug development for three parasites which are major causes of diarrhea worldwide, E. histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum and extend our current finding of antiparasitic activity of auranofin to Entamoeba cysts, G. lamblia and C. parvum. These studies support the use of HTS assays and reprofiling FDA-approved drugs for new therapy for neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, CA USA,Correspondence to: Anjan Debnath, and Sharon L. Reed,
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology; Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre; Montreal General Hospital; Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Sharon L. Reed
- Departments of Pathology, and Medicine; University of California, San Diego; San Diego, CA USA,Correspondence to: Anjan Debnath, and Sharon L. Reed,
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Njume C, Goduka NI. Treatment of diarrhoea in rural African communities: an overview of measures to maximise the medicinal potentials of indigenous plants. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2012; 9:3911-33. [PMID: 23202823 PMCID: PMC3524604 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9113911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rural communities in Africa, particularly in children under the age of five. This calls for the development of cost effective alternative strategies such as the use of herbal drugs in the treatment of diarrhoea in these communities. Expenses associated with the use of orthodox medicines have generated renewed interest and reliance on indigenous medicinal plants in the treatment and management of diarrhoeal infections in rural communities. The properties of many phenolic constituents of medicinal plants such as their ability to inhibit enteropooling and delay gastrointestinal transit are very useful in the control of diarrhoea, but problems such as scarcity of valuable medicinal plants, lack of standardization of methods of preparation, poor storage conditions and incertitude in some traditional health practitioners are issues that affect the efficacy and the practice of traditional medicine in rural African communities. This review appraises the current strategies used in the treatment of diarrhoea according to the Western orthodox and indigenous African health-care systems and points out major areas that could be targeted by health-promotion efforts as a means to improve management and alleviate suffering associated with diarrhoea in rural areas of the developing world. Community education and research with indigenous knowledge holders on ways to maximise the medicinal potentials in indigenous plants could improve diarrhoea management in African rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collise Njume
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Development, Enkululekweni, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa;
| | - Nomalungelo I. Goduka
- Centre for Rural Development, Enkululekweni, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa;
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39
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Yang B, Chen Y, Wu L, Xu L, Tachibana H, Cheng X. Seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection in China. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 87:97-103. [PMID: 22764298 PMCID: PMC3391064 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection in the residents of seven provinces in China was examined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a crude antigen and a recombinant surface antigen, C-Igl, of the parasites. A total of 1,312 serum samples were investigated. The positivity rates for these two antigens were 11.05% and 6.25%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the seropositivity to E. histolytica between men and women. We used a logistic regression model and maximal-likelihood methods to estimate the prevalence of E. histolytica infection from sequential serologic data. Seropositivity in Sichuan, Guizhou, and Sinkiang Provinces was higher than that in Beijing, Shanghai, and Qinghai Provinces. The present study provides an overview of seropositivity to E. histolytica infection in seven provinces in China and use the logistic regression model estimation method to achieve a more accurate measure of amebiasis prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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40
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Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an important vector-borne disease, and it is classified as one of the most important tropical fly-borne infections. This disease can cause two types of clinical manifestations: cutaneous forms and visceral forms. Visceral leishmaniasis, which is also called kala-azar, is a very serious infection that can be fatal. The management of visceral leishmaniasis requires informed diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Continuous research and development regarding the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis had led to many improvements. Paromomycin is a relatively new antibiotic drug that has been used for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis for several years. This article reviews and discusses the use of paromomycin for visceral leishmaniasis therapy.
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41
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Foo PC, Chan YY, See Too WC, Tan ZN, Wong WK, Lalitha P, Lim BH. Development of a thermostabilized, one-step, nested, tetraplex PCR assay for simultaneous identification and differentiation of Entamoeba species, Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar from stool samples. J Med Microbiol 2012; 61:1219-1225. [PMID: 22556327 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.044552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is the only Entamoeba species that causes amoebiasis in humans. Approximately 50 million people are infected, with 100, 000 deaths annually in endemic countries. Molecular diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica is important to differentiate it from the morphologically identical Entamoeba dispar to avoid unnecessary medication. Conventional molecular diagnostic tests require trained personnel, cold-chain transportation and/or are storage-dependent, which make them user-unfriendly. The aim of this study was to develop a thermostabilized, one-step, nested, tetraplex PCR assay for the detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba species in cold-chain-free and ready-to-use form. The PCR test was designed based on the Entamoeba small subunit rRNA (SSU-rRNA) gene, which detects the presence of any Entamoeba species, and simultaneously can be used to differentiate Entamoeba histolytica from Entamoeba dispar. In addition, a pair of primers was designed to serve as an internal amplification control to help identify inhibitors in the samples. All PCR reagents together with the designed primers were thermostabilized by lyophilization and were stable at 24 °C for at least 6 months. The limit of detection of the tetraplex PCR was found to be 39 pg DNA or 1000 cells for Entamoeba histolytica and 78 pg DNA or 1000 cells for Entamoeba dispar, and the specificity was 100 %. In conclusion, this cold-chain-free, thermostabilized, one-step, nested, multiplex PCR assay was found to be efficacious in differentiating Entamoeba histolytica from other non-pathogenic Entamoeba species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phiaw Chong Foo
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Yean Yean Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zi Ning Tan
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Weng Kin Wong
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Pattabhiraman Lalitha
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Boon Huat Lim
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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42
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Abstract
After 30 years of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, parasites have been one of the most common opportunistic infections (OIs) and one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-infected patients. Due to severe immunosuppression, enteric parasitic pathogens in general are emerging and are OIs capable of causing diarrhoeal disease associated with HIV. Of these, Cryptosporidium parvum and Isospora belli are the two most common intestinal protozoan parasites and pose a public health problem in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. These are the only two enteric protozoan parasites that remain in the case definition of AIDS till today. Leishmaniasis, strongyloidiasis and toxoplasmosis are the three main opportunistic causes of systemic involvements reported in HIV-infected patients. Of these, toxoplasmosis is the most important parasitic infection associated with the central nervous system. Due to its complexity in nature, toxoplasmosis is the only parasitic disease capable of not only causing focal but also disseminated forms and it has been included in AIDS-defining illnesses (ADI) ever since. With the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), cryptosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and toxoplasmosis are among parasitic diseases reported in association with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This review addresses various aspects of parasitic infections in term of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with HIV-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Berrilli F, Prisco C, Friedrich KG, Di Cerbo P, Di Cave D, De Liberato C. Giardia duodenalis assemblages and Entamoeba species infecting non-human primates in an Italian zoological garden: zoonotic potential and management traits. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:199. [PMID: 21988762 PMCID: PMC3214166 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. are among the most common intestinal human protozoan parasites worldwide and they are frequently reported in captive non-human primates (NHP). From a public health point of view, infected animals in zoos constitute a risk for animal caretakers and visitors. In this study we carried out the molecular identification of G. duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. from nine species of primates housed in the zoological garden of Rome, to better ascertain their occurrence and zoonotic potential. Results G. duodenalis was found only in Lemur catta (47.0%). Entamoeba spp. were detected in all species studied, with the exception of Eulemur macaco and Varecia rubra. The number of positive pools ranged from 5.9% in L. catta to 81.2% in Mandrillus sphinx; in Pan troglodytes the observed prevalence was 53.6%. A mixed Entamoeba-Giardia infection was recorded only in one sample of L. catta. All G. duodenalis isolates belonged to the zoonotic assemblage B, sub assemblage BIV. Three Entamoeba species were identified: E. hartmanni, E. coli and E. dispar. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of regularly testing animals kept in zoos for the diagnosis of zoonotic parasites, in order to evaluate their pathogenic role in the housed animals and the zoonotic risk linked to their presence. A quick detection of the arrival of pathogens into the enclosures could also be a prerequisite to limit their spread into the structure via the introduction of specific control strategies. The need for molecular identification of some parasite species/genotype in order to better define the zoonotic risk is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università di Roma TorVergata, Rome, Italy
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Levecke B, Dreesen L, Barrionuevo-Samaniego M, Ortiz WB, Praet N, Brandt J, Dorny P. Molecular differentiation of Entamoeba spp. in a rural community of Loja province, South Ecuador. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2011; 105:737-9. [PMID: 21981992 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous epidemiological surveys in Ecuador indicate the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, prevalence data of this parasite remain scarce. Most of the studies were based on microscopic examination, which does not allow a morphological differentiation from the non-pathogenic Ent. dispar and Ent. moshkovskii. In the present study, 674 stool samples from a South Ecuadorian rural community were screened for Entamoeba spp. Subsequently, molecular identification was performed on 101 samples containing Ent. histolytica/Ent. dispar/Ent. moshkovskii cysts. The study indicated the absence of Ent. histolytica in this South Ecuadorian community and confirmed the difficulty of differentiating Entamoeba spp. based on morphological features.
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45
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Chimelli L. A morphological approach to the diagnosis of protozoal infections of the central nervous system. Patholog Res Int 2011; 2011:290853. [PMID: 21785681 PMCID: PMC3140201 DOI: 10.4061/2011/290853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protozoal infections, though endemic to certain regions, can be seen all around the world, because of the increase in travel and migration. In addition, immunosuppression associated with various conditions, particularly with HIV infection, favors the occurrence of more severe manifestations and failure to respond to treatments. The CNS may be the only affected system; when not, it is often the most severely affected. Despite information obtained from clinical, laboratory, and imaging procedures that help to narrow the differential diagnosis of intracranial infections, there are cases that need confirmation with biopsy or autopsy. Predominant presentations are meningoencephalitis (trypanosomiasis), encephalopathy (cerebral malaria), or as single or multiple pseudotumoral enhancing lesions (toxoplasmosis, reactivated Chagas' disease). The immune reconstitution disease, resulting from enhancement of pathogen-specific immune responses after HAART, has altered the typical presentation of toxoplasmosis and microsporidiosis. In this paper, a morphological approach for the diagnosis of protozoal infections affecting the CNS (amoebiasis, cerebral malaria, toxoplasmosis, trypanosomiasis, and microsporidiosis) is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Chimelli
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-913 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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46
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James R, Barratt J, Marriott D, Harkness J, Stark D. Seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection among men who have sex with men in Sydney, Australia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 83:914-6. [PMID: 20889891 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.10-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective analysis was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection in Sydney, Australia. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 429 high risk human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), 446 low risk HIV-uninfected MSM, and 456 HIV-uninfected controls were assessed. Seroprevalence rates were 5.13% for the high risk HIV-infected MSM group, 0.22% for the low risk HIV-uninfected MSM group, and 0.44% for the control group. We found that high risk HIV-infected MSM have a significantly greater seroprevalence of E. histolytica with a relative risk of 22.87, when compared with low risk HIV-uninfected MSM and 11.69 when compared with controls. These findings show that in Sydney, sexually active HIV-infected MSM are at greater risk of developing amoebic disease caused by E. histolytica than HIV-uninfected MSM and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney James
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
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O'Ryan M, Lucero Y, O'Ryan-Soriano MA, Ashkenazi S. An update on management of severe acute infectious gastroenteritis in children. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 8:671-82. [PMID: 20521895 DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This article focuses on clinical and diagnostic aspects relevant to severe acute infectious gastroenteritis in children and will update treatment strategies focused on, although not limited to, anti-infective therapy. For the purposes of this article we will consider severe acute infectious gastroenteritis as follows: watery diarrhea accompanied by, or at high risk for, moderate to severe dehydration due to abrupt onset of vomiting that reduces oral intake, and/or frequent emission of liquid stools, or moderate to severe dysenteric/bloody diarrhea with moderate to high-grade fever. The article will not include food poisoning associated with bacterial toxins and will only briefly discuss oral rehydration strategies and intravenous solutions. The article will also briefly discuss current preventive measures against rotavirus gastroenteritis through vaccination, a topic that has been extensively discussed elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel O'Ryan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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48
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Baxt LA, Rastew E, Bracha R, Mirelman D, Singh U. Downregulation of an Entamoeba histolytica rhomboid protease reveals roles in regulating parasite adhesion and phagocytosis. Eukaryot Cell 2010; 9:1283-93. [PMID: 20581296 DOI: 10.1128/EC.00015-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a deep-branching eukaryotic pathogen. Rhomboid proteases are intramembrane serine proteases, which cleave transmembrane proteins in, or in close proximity to, their transmembrane domain. We have previously shown that E. histolytica contains a single functional rhomboid protease (EhROM1) and has unique substrate specificity. EhROM1 is present on the trophozoite surface and relocalizes to internal vesicles during erythrophagocytosis and to the base of the cap during surface receptor capping. In order to further examine the biological function of EhROM1 we downregulated EhROM1 expression by >95% by utilizing the epigenetic silencing mechanism of the G3 parasite strain. Despite the observation that EhROM1 relocalized to the cap during surface receptor capping, EhROM1 knockdown [ROM(KD)] parasites had no gross changes in cap formation or complement resistance. However, ROM(KD) parasites demonstrated decreased host cell adhesion, a result recapitulated by treatment of wild-type parasites with DCI, a serine protease inhibitor with activity against rhomboid proteases. The reduced adhesion phenotype of ROM(KD) parasites was noted exclusively with healthy cells, and not with apoptotic cells. Additionally, ROM(KD) parasites had decreased phagocytic ability with reduced ingestion of healthy cells, apoptotic cells, and rice starch. Decreased phagocytic ability is thus independent of the reduced adhesion phenotype, since phagocytosis of apoptotic cells was reduced despite normal adhesion levels. The defect in host cell adhesion was not explained by altered expression or localization of the heavy subunit of the Gal/GalNAc surface lectin. These results suggest no significant role of EhROM1 in complement resistance but unexpected roles in parasite adhesion and phagocytosis.
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Levecke B, Dreesen L, Dorny P, Verweij JJ, Vercammen F, Casaert S, Vercruysse J, Geldhof P. Molecular identification of Entamoeba spp. in captive nonhuman primates. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:2988-90. [PMID: 20573870 DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00013-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the molecular identification of 520 Entamoeba-positive fecal samples from a large and diverse population of captive nonhuman primates (NHP). The results revealed the presence of Entamoeba histolytica (NHP variant only), E. dispar, E. moshkovskii, E. hartmanni, E. coli, and E. polecki-like organisms.
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Stark D, Barratt JLN, van Hal S, Marriott D, Harkness J, Ellis JT. Clinical significance of enteric protozoa in the immunosuppressed human population. Clin Microbiol Rev 2009; 22:634-50. [PMID: 19822892 PMCID: PMC2772358 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00017-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, the number of immunosuppressed people increases each year, with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic continuing to spread unabated in many parts of the world. Immunosuppression may also occur in malnourished persons, patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancy, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Components of the immune system can be functionally or genetically abnormal as a result of acquired (e.g., caused by HIV infection, lymphoma, or high-dose steroids or other immunosuppressive medications) or congenital illnesses, with more than 120 congenital immunodeficiencies described to date that either affect humoral immunity or compromise T-cell function. All individuals affected by immunosuppression are at risk of infection by opportunistic parasites (such as the microsporidia) as well as those more commonly associated with gastrointestinal disease (such as Giardia). The outcome of infection by enteric protozoan parasites is dependent on absolute CD4(+) cell counts, with lower counts being associated with more severe disease, more atypical disease, and a greater risk of disseminated disease. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge on the significance of enteric parasitic protozoa as a cause of disease in immunosuppressed persons and also provides guidance on recent advances in diagnosis and therapy for the control of these important parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Stark
- Department of Microbiology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst 2010, NSW, Australia.
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